Independent TDs strongly oppose Mercosur trade deal as Government under pressure

Ottoline Spearman

The Government is under pressure as Independent TDs are calling on the Government to oppose the Mercosur trade deal.

Senior Government sources told the Irish Examiner that there is “every chance” Independent Minister of State for Agriculture Michael Healy-Rae could walk away from Government over the contentious trade deal between the EU and South American nations.

Concerns were also raised about Seán Canney and Marian Harkin's opposition to the deal.

A vote by all 27 EU member states is expected on Friday on the deal, which would remove tariffs on 91 per cent of EU goods entering the South American nations, and 92 per cent of Mercosur goods entering the EU.

The loss of any Independent TDs would be a major knock to the Government's fine majority.

Mr Healy-Rae has insisted he wants the Government to oppose the deal, even if a so-called “blocking minority” of member states cannot be assembled to stop the approval.

Following talks between Taoiseach Micheál Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris and Minister of State for Transport Seán Canney, who represents Independent Ministers in discussions with Coalition party leaders, Mr Healy-Rae said “absolutely 100 per cent we are opposed to this”.

Asked by the Irish Times if the Independents would be willing to walk out of Government on the issue, he said: “I wouldn’t go talking about bringing down the Government, but what I would say is it’s a lot more serious than people think.”

Further consultation between Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil and the Independents is expected, with indications that a Cabinet decision may be sought.

Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon said in Brussels that he still holds negative views on the Mercosur deal, and that, if approved, safeguards and concessions would be sought.

Elsewhere, Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke said that while he was concerned about the pact, he was “absolutely not” fearful of losing Independent TDs from the Coalition over the issue.

A protest against the EU-Mercosur deal is planned for Saturday in Athlone, which will see up to 10,000 people attend the event, with a tractor and vehicle cavalcade around the town.